Spring 2020 Member Magazine

UNKNOWN CALLER

Why is cyber security important? Thanks to phones and other devices, we have access to information 24-7. Whether we’re in search of recipes, sports scores, weather reports or online deals, the answers are just a click away. But, there’s a catch. Easier access also means it’s easier for hackers to get our personal information. Identity theft is a real threat for all of us, making it more important than ever to do what it takes to keep our data safe. The following steps will go a long way in keeping your identity safe. Protect your passwords – Having strong passwords is the most important step in keeping your information safe. Make sure your passwords contain a variety of numbers, capital and lowercase letters and special characters. Make it a habit to change them often. Don’t click on mysterious links – Hackers love hyperlinks and use them often to send viruses to gain access to devices. Be careful when receiving messages with any kind of link. A good rule of thumb is not to click on any link unless you’ve confirmed it’s from a reliable source. Set-up notifications – Get informed when there is activity on your accounts by setting up notifications. This allows you to manage your accounts with sensitive information. If your account is hacked, you will receive an alert right away to stop the hacker from doing too much damage. Lock devices – Just as it’s important to lock your doors when you leave your house, it’s important to lock your personal devices when you’re not using them. If you step away from a device, be sure to log out so no one has access to your information. Protect sensitive data – To avoid the risk of someone stealing your identity, keep data like your Social Security number, bank account and credit card information, etc. off your device whenever possible. If you do need to access sensitive information on your device, delete any traces of it. Staying a step ahead of identity theft is possible when we’re vigilant and aware of our accounts and online activity. Keep this list handy and refer to it often to stay (cyber) safe and sound! HOW TO STAY SAFE IN A DIGITAL WORLD

Protect Yourself from Social Security Scams Scammers are pretending to be government employees. They will try to scare and trick you into giving them your personal information and your money. They may threaten you or your family and may demand immediate payment to avoid arrest or other legal action. Don’t be fooled! If you receive a suspicious call … 1. Hang up 2.Do NOT give them money or share personal information 3. Report the scam at oig.ssa.gov Protect yourself, friends and family! Learn more at oig.ssa.gov/scam This information is provided courtesy of the Social Security Administration.

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SPRING 2020 CATHOLIC FINANCIAL LIFE 9